Shifter Linkage Issues 1997 900s

[dkoifman]

I was having problems with shifting, especially into reverse, but it was really stiff going into all gears. To get into reverse I had to shut the engine off first to avoid grinding. After reading up on the topic, I concluded this was a shifter linkage issue.

I replaced the shifter linkage and the shifting became was super smooth, no issues at all. Within about 20 miles, it was back to the way it was before. I then re-alligned the new linkage and tightened the bolt nearest to the shifter.

Again it was like new, for about 20 miles, now back to stiff shifting again and very tough to get into reverse. My guess is there is something that's slipping on the connection from the shifter to the shifter linkage, misaligning the new linkage so quickly. Any ideas?

[earthworm]

This tells me that emphatically the mounts are shot, allowing the power-pack to wander all over; if this wanderlust is excessive, then the shift alignment is re-messed up.
To test, elevate the engine a little and have a "look-see".